Chicago Pet Photographer With Unique Experience
Hello! I’m Shane, your dedicated Chicago pet photographer.
I’m thrilled at the chance to capture the unique spirit of your furry companions!
Photography was a hobby that turned into a full time profession almost three decades ago.
Growing up in Zimbabwe, I was immersed in a world of animals. My first puppy, a lovable dachshund named Gretchen, ignited my lifelong passion for pets. I also shared my home with a drool-happy bulldog named Major who had endless energy .
My fondness for bulldogs and dachshunds remains strong to this day!
Whenever I visited family on their farms, I was greeted by a lively pack of dogs and numerous cats, each playing a vital role in keeping the wild animals and any mice at bay. My adventures with wildlife, photographing lions, leopards, elephants and more turned my hobby into a profession when I started working with a lion conservation project as a photographer. I was honored to contribute to lion conservation. My days were spent walking alongside these magnificent creatures, snapping photos for research and marketing for eco tourism.
I also worked for luxury tourist resorts looking to capture the beauty of their surroundings in Africa’s amazing bush camps.
(I did have an unfortunate encounter with a leopards’ appetite for my first digital camera, but at least I recovered the memory card!)
After shooting a friend’s wedding way back in 2000 I discovered a new passion and added weddings to my repertoire.
In 2006 I moved to the United States. I am very thankful to be here.
Once in the USA I transitioned my photography focus, embracing weddings and family events while continuing to indulge my love for wildlife through various hobbies, like photographing eagles and Pelicans.
More recently I became increasingly busy capturing dogs, cats, and other beloved animal companions. This lead me to open Woofography as a separate pet focused business.
Shane Lawrence Photography remains my wedding and portrait brand.
The years of experience capturing wildlife in Africa set me apart as a Chicago pet photographer.
This rich tapestry of experiences and deep love for animals positively affect every shoot.
Capturing the energy of a playful pup excites me just as much as photographing soaring eagles or encountering elephants up close. (That memory comes with a bit of a scary story! For huge creatures they are incredibly quiet.)
I can’t wait to connect with you and your furry friends to create unforgettable memories together!
I would love to be your go to Chicago Pet Photographer.